Historic site raising funds for new facility

GREENFIELD — The Riley Old Home Society, in collaboration with the James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum and Greenfield Parks Department, is raising money to fund the construction of a new multi-use facility.

The proposed new facility, a modern event space, will look like a carriage house and will complement the historic era of the complex, according to a news release. It will accommodate 50 people, double the current capacity, as well as increase the number of public restrooms, which will improve the visitor experience.

‘Lizabuth Ann’s Kitchen will offer year-round, climate-controlled shelter to schools, tours, social and corporate groups who visit our complex. The expansion of public restrooms and overall capacity means it can accommodate larger school and tour groups. It also will fill a need in the community for a mid-size rental space for wedding and shower receptions, corporate meetings, exhibits, and programming, according to a news release.

Organizers have collected $105,000 toward the goal of some $172,500, officials said in a news release.

The James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum is a collaboration between the Greenfield Parks and Recreation Department and the Riley Old Home Society. The Riley Boyhood Home is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, April through October. For more information, call 317-462-8539 or visit jwrileyhome.org.

Make an online donation at jwrileyhome.org by following the link to the Hancock County Community Foundation or by mailing a check payable to: